Donald E. Luke

Donald E. Luke, 81 PHOENIX - Donald E. Luke, 81, a long-time Phoenix marketing executive, passed away Friday, April 9, 2010. Born in Grosse Pointe, Mich., as a child he moved to Seattle, Wash., and attended the University of Washington, majoring in journalism. While still in college, he met and married his late wife of 59 years, Lois Strickland. Don and Lois enjoyed travel, spending their 50th wedding anniversary in New Zealand and Australia. The family especially remembers the summer spent gradually trailering from the Canadian border to Disneyland. During Don's early years, he served as editor of Alaska Life Magazine, managing editor of the Tacoma Suburban Times, and public information officer for the Washington State Department of Health. In 1961, the family moved to Phoenix where he joined the staff of Advertising Counselors of Arizona, and then helped form what became the Bennett, Luke and Teawell Advertising Agency. Following its sale in 1974, he established his own advertising/public relations counseling firm which he maintained until his retirement in 2003. Don was active in various organizations and was one of the early PR practitioners to attain national PRSA accreditation. One of his more satisfying projects was serving on the Phoenix Mountain Preservation Commission which achieved passage of the bond issue that acquired today's extensive mountain preserve in north Phoenix. He also helped establish the curriculum for the nation's first junior college AA degree in pulbic relations at Phoenix College, and served as an evening division instructor. In later years, Don was blessed with a special friend, Marilyn, who brought him great joy, companionship and comfort. He also found great enjoyment in playing both a tenor ukulele and electric bass guitar with a Sun City West band, Keeney's Kool Kats. He is survived by life-partner Marilyn; brother, Richard of Palm Springs, Calif.; two sons, Randy (Annick) of Montreal and Scott of Auburn, Wash.; a daughter, Bonnie (Jerry) Martin of Scottsdale; five grandchildren, Thom Martin, Jennifer Deibel, Sabrina Luke, Ryan Luke and Brad Luke; two granddaughters, Hannah and Cailyn Deibel; and one grandchild due in November. A memorial service was held Thursday, April 15, at Grace Community Church, 16165 W. Mountain View Blvd in Sun City Grand. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made either to the American Lung Association, www.lungusa.org/donate, or to the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. www.imb.org